British Airways workers have rejected management plans to cut costs through thousands of job losses and a two-year pay freeze.

A union spokesman said feelings among the airline workers were "running high" at a meeting held today of more than 2,000 employees, close to Heathrow airport. "They have sent a very clear message that they don't want us to make any further concessions that would lead to an assault on their terms and conditions," he said.

There is no threat of strike action but disruption over the summer is a clear possibility. BA was hit by an unofficial strike in 2003 over terms and conditions and was grounded again in 2005 by a dispute over catering staff.

BA pilots reached a deal last month that will see them taking a 2.6% pay cut and save the airline £26m. The current talks cover other workers including cabin crew, baggage handlers and check-in staff. It is believed there are still wide differences between the management and unions.

BA said last month that 7,000 staff had applied for voluntary pay cuts, including 800 who agreed to work for nothing for up to a month. BA chief executive, Willie Walsh, who has given up his pay for July, said it had been a "fantastic" response. Unions, though, have accused the airline's managers of putting workers under pressure to accept a cut, which the airline denies.

Unions have also noted that Walsh is far better placed to work without pay for a month – his monthly earnings of £61,000 are twice the average annual salary for cabin crew.